Elk Hill

Another stop along I-81, Elk Hill would be a nice little, steep walk up some ski slopes with some great views of the surrounding farms.  I asked for permission since it closes at 3pm.  The guys had no problem, "everyone comes and walks up here."  Once on top, I understood why.

Bears Head

About 80 miles north of Harrisburg and only a couple miles off I-81, it's just what the doctor ordered.  A nice spot to stretch the legs, Bears Head has a fire tower (though inaccessible) and some great views.

Harrisburg, PA

In the past, I have passed by Harrisburg on I-81 many times, but I do not recall ever going into the city.  This would be just another U.S. State Capital I would visit.  It's now a goal of mine to visit every one.

Located on the Susquehana, Harrisburg has a nice little park along the bank.  Some great views of the city can be had from its many bridges that cross the river.  The capitol building is the most prominent feature of its skyline.

The street leading to the capitol had many beautiful churches.  The most striking was St. Patrick's Cathedral.  A dome, I first thought it was the capitol.  I wondered why there was a cross on the top.  Further walking led me to the significantly larger dome of the capitol building.

Unfortunately I showed up on a day there were no tours of the capitol building.  This is a shame.  I really wanted to know about the artwork outside the building.  I first thought it to be a huge orgy.  A closer look made me think otherwise, but still with no clue as to what it's about.

Harrisburg is a great little city to take a stroll.  I found a bar that had 90 beers on tap.  It's Pennsylvania, so there was plenty of great beer.  Afterwards I crossed the people's bridge to City Island.  It's a recreation area and home to the Nationals' Double A affiliate.  The local cross country team went for a run while I was here.

Some bridges as seen from the people's bridge

Wheeling, WV

Heading to Ohio

On my way to Pittsburgh from Columbus, OH I passed Wheeling, WV crossing the Ohio River.  I noticed a pretty interesting looking suspension bridge to the south.  My back needed a rest so it would be a perfect time to stop.

Wheeling appears like a lot of places in the U.S., its best days are behind.  Many abandoned buildings are noticeable.  But some revitalization is going on.  There is a lovely park along the river.  Many interesting looking pubs and restaurants were calling me.

While walking along the river I found out the bridge I spotted is the oldest suspension bridge in the U.S. that carries cars.  It dates to before the civil war.  A great achievement indeed.  I took a nice little walk across.  The entrance to the bridge is literally from downtown Wheeling.  There are old buildings on both sides.  

The WV side

Colombus, OH

Ohio Statehouse

One of many cities in the U.S. that takes its name from Christopher Colombus.  This one is the largest in the U.S. and it also happens to be the capital of the great state of Ohio.

Colombus

Though its manly thought of as part of the rust belt, Ohio has been highly influential in shaping U.S. history.  Six U.S. presidents called Ohio home, though the most prominent of them was William McKinley.  The Wright Brothers are most closely associated with North Carolina, but they are from Ohio and their first experiments in aviation were in Ohio.

If you're a college football fan like myself, Ohio St is the first thing that come to mind when thinking of Colombus, Ohio.  It's home to one of the great college football powers and a fairly strong contender in college hoops.  To my surprise, I hardly saw any signs this was home.  One or two people wearing shirts and no posters or flags.

The capitol building here did not have a dome, which is unlike any that I've seen (Albany is an exception).  It's over 150 years old and ranks as one of the oldest in the U.S.  There is a Holocaust Memorial outside as well as some statues of Ohio's favorite sons.

WWII Memorial

Ohio's "jewels"

Lincoln's Secretary of Treasury Samuel Chase

The Holocaust Memorial

Colombus had an interesting mix of old buildings and new skyscrapers.  Again, like some of the other stops, I wish I could have spent more time.  There is some reason to.  It appears Colombus is developing a great river park along the Scioto River.  Today it was not an appealing sight, but in a few years I'm sure it will attract many people who need a break from the indoors.  

The skyline

The Ohio Theater

Trinity Church

Some of the skyline from the Scioto River

The 1927 Art Deco Leveque Tower.  I was surprised to see this type of building here.

Scioto River.  This will look quite different in a couple years